Dauphin County Prison remains in lockdown

Inmate tries to dig hole in jail cell wall

Dauphin County Prison remains in lockdown after an inmate attempted to dig a hole in his jail cell wall and escape, according to county officials. The lockdown began at 12:28 p.m. Tuesday.

25-year-old Andthony Spears has been charged with attempted escape and criminal mischief.

Spears used a metal implement that he removed from a mounted tray in his cell to chip away at the wall, officials said. Damages to the cell are estimated at $5,000.

"Visitation may be restricted up to a week while correctional officers sweep the prison for any other potential hazards," said Dominick DeRose, prison warden. "We're working closely with investigators to determine how this incident occurred and what we can do to prevent it from happening in the future."

During a lockdown, inmates must remain in their cells and visitation is restricted.

The lockdown will remain in effect until a thorough search of the prison has been conducted to ensure the safety and security of the inmates, prison employees and visitors.

Photos

Copyright 2013 byWGAL All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.